BREAKING NEWS: The officials and referees of the West Ham vs. Manchester United match have lost their jobs as a result of the very sad news that FIFA just published. Manchester United justice 💪We are happy that justice has finally been served.

Jarrod Bowen’s late penalty secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for West Ham against Manchester United, easing the pressure on manager Julen Lopetegui. The match saw a tense finish at the London Stadium, with Bowen’s goal coming deep into injury time and ultimately deciding the outcome.

The turning point came in the final minutes when United thought they had rescued a point. With less than ten minutes remaining, Casemiro scored what appeared to be a crucial equalizer, rising above the defense to head the ball into the net. His goal canceled out West Ham’s opener, which came in the 74th minute when Crysencio Summerville found the back of the net. Summerville’s goal was the result of a scramble in the box, as he redirected a mis-hit shot from Danny Ings past United goalkeeper Andre Onana.

The game took a controversial turn just before full-time when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened. Referee David Coote was advised to review a challenge in the penalty area, where Matthijs de Ligt clashed with Ings. The incident occurred with three minutes of regular time left, and after checking the pitchside monitor, Coote decided that de Ligt’s tackle warranted a penalty for West Ham, despite protests from the United players, who claimed that Ings had committed a handball in the build-up.

Unfazed by the pressure, Bowen stepped up and calmly dispatched the spot-kick, sending the ball past Onana to secure all three points for the Hammers. The goal was a blow to United, who had looked set to escape with a draw after struggling to break down a resilient West Ham defense in the second half.

Earlier in the match, Manchester United had controlled much of the play, dominating possession and creating several promising opportunities in the first half. However, they failed to make the most of their chances, leaving them vulnerable as the game progressed. United’s lack of clinical finishing proved costly, as they were left to rue their wasted opportunities when West Ham turned the tide after the break.

West Ham, who struggled to make an impact in the first half, came out with more intent in the second. They pressed higher up the pitch and began to create more openings, eventually taking advantage of United’s defensive lapses. Their breakthrough came when Ings attempted a shot inside the box, which was mistimed but ended up fortuitously reaching Summerville, who reacted quickly to guide the ball into the goal.

The result is a significant boost for Julen Lopetegui, who has faced increasing scrutiny in recent weeks due to West Ham’s inconsistent form. The victory not only relieved some of the pressure on the Spanish manager but also provided a morale boost for the team as they look to climb the Premier League table. Lopetegui praised his players for their resilience, particularly in the second half, where they showed greater determination to secure the win.

On the other hand, the defeat adds to Manchester United’s frustrations this season. While they showed moments of quality, particularly in the first half, they were ultimately undone by a lack of sharpness in front of goal and defensive mistakes. The contentious penalty decision will undoubtedly be a talking point, but United’s inability to capitalize on their early dominance was a major factor in their loss.

The outcome leaves United still searching for consistency, as they have struggled to find their rhythm in recent games. Manager Erik ten Hag will be left to reflect on his team’s performance, particularly their struggles in the final third and defensive vulnerabilities. The late defeat is a setback for United’s ambitions in the league, and they will need to regroup quickly to get back on track.

For West Ham, the victory is a reminder of the team’s potential under Lopetegui, especially when they show the determination and fighting spirit displayed in the second half. Bowen’s composure from the penalty spot and Summerville’s opportunistic goal were the rewards for a much-improved display after the break.

The match at the London Stadium ultimately came down to key moments, with VAR playing a crucial role in the final outcome. While the decision to award the penalty was contentious, it highlighted the fine margins that can determine the result in the Premier League. As both teams look ahead to their next fixtures, the victory could serve as a turning point for West Ham, while Manchester United will need to address their shortcomings to avoid similar late heartbreak in the future.

Bowen’s penalty capped off a memorable night for the Hammers, who now have a valuable win to build upon. For United, the result is a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to reach the level of consistency required to challenge for top honors.